If You Leave by Courtney Cole is a contemporary romance book. This book follows the story of Maddie and Gabe. Maddie has issues stemming from her parents’ abusive relationship. Gabe is an ex-soldier who is dealing with what happened overseas. This is the second book of the author’s Beautifully Broken series. I loved reading If You Stay, but the rest of the series fell behind on my TBR. I am glad I picked it back up again.
Madison Hill, a.k.a Maddie, gave up her dreams and moved back home after her parents’ sudden death. She took over their restaurant and took care of her sister, Mila. Maddie is scarred because of her parents’ abusive relationship. She has issues trusting men, especially ones that are quick to anger. Meanwhile, Gabriel Vincent, a.k.a Gabe, is an ex-army ranger. He chose to retire from the army after an incident left him shaken. He is dealing with PTSD and trying to adjust to civilian life.
Gabe and Maddie meet outside a club. Unknown to them, invited by Gabe’s sister and Maddie’s friend Jacey. Maddie and Gabe have instant chemistry. Their plans for the night are thrown out when their cab gets into an accident. Unexpectedly, they meet back in Maddie’s hometown at her parents’ restaurant. These two are carrying a lot of traumas related to their pasts.
If You Leave is a romance novel, but it deals with topics of mental health and trauma in a sensitive manner. Maddie’s emotional scars are because of the way she grew up. Watching her parents have an abusive relationship, and then the grief of losing them suddenly. Her aversion to certain situations is understandable. Gabe’s experience during his service haunts him. He feels responsible and guilty for an operation that did not go according to plan. The depiction of his inner struggle and PTSD is portrayed realistically.
I liked that Maddie and Gabe had to work on themselves together, as well as individually. They helped each other through their healing. These characters understand each other’s pain and are patient. Other than their attraction, there is an understanding between them that bonds them together. I loved how their love story unfolded. It deals realistically with difficult topics. Their story is emotional, intense, and even angsty.
I loved reading If You Leave by Courtney Cole. It is not just a beautiful romance, but it delves deep into trauma and mental health through the characters’ journey. Maddie and Gabe, as individuals, have to take efforts to heal. These efforts make their relationship stronger. I enjoyed how their romance and character arcs unfolded. I can’t wait to read the next books in this series.
*Click on the book cover above to get a copy.
Books and blues 